What is an HS code and why does it change my duty?

An HS code is the international classification number for a product — six digits agreed globally, extended by each country. Customs uses it to decide the duty rate. The same object can fall under different codes depending on material and use. A kitchen knife is a tool or a household article; a phone case is plastic or leather goods. Rates for similar-sounding products can differ from 0% to 17%. Getting the code right is legal tax planning. Getting it wrong to pay less is fraud. We classify the goods with you, show the code in the invoice, and if customs disagrees we deal with the correction rather than leaving it to you.

• Six digits globally, extended locally
• Material and use decide the code, not the name
• A wrong code is fraud; the right code is planning

Common questions

What is an HS code and why does it change my duty? An HS code is the international classification number for a product — six digits agreed globally, extended by each country. Customs uses it to decide the duty rate. The same object can fall under different codes depending on material and use. A kitchen knife is a tool or a household article; a phone case is plastic or leather goods. Rates for similar-sounding products can differ from 0% to 17%. Getting the code right is legal tax planning. Getting it wrong to pay less is fraud. We classify the goods with you, show the code in the invoice, and if customs disagrees we deal with the correction rather than leaving it to you.

Is this included in the service fee? Sourcing, negotiation and inspection are included in the banded service fee. Freight and destination taxes are quoted separately so each line is visible.

How do I start? Send the product link on WhatsApp. You get a written, itemised price within two working hours.